Nancy S. Kroeger (nee Boggie), age 78, longtime resident of Downers Grove. Nancy, a most remarkably, caring woman passed away on October 29, 2016 at Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Il. Born January 28, 1938 in Stillman, Iowa to C.D. and Irene (nee Schatz) Boggie.
Nancy had a special gift of leaving a bit of sunshine wherever she went. Loving and generous, she left such a positive impact on so many people in her lifetime as a mother, grandmother, friend, bookseller and bibliophile, nature lover, animal advocate (especially wolves), organic gardener for the bees, butterflies, birds and backyard creatures. She was a symphony lover and environment protector.
The world was a brighter place because of this extraordinary listener, avid bird lover, Monarch butterfly “mamma” and adventurous spirit. She shared her beautiful smile, her endless curiosity and desire for learning and with her enthusiasm for life’s many opportunities. As a grandmother, she was a willing passenger aboard her teenage pilot grandson’s helicopter. Undoubtedly the most senior sledder on the hill with her granddaughters, she passed on her love of reading to untold thousands, passed on her motorcycle knowledge to her children and grandsons.
Nancy will be deeply and dearly missed by family, friends and community. Survived by her brother John (Gloria) Boggie; children Cindy (Randy) Kroeger-Finlayson, Kim (Howard) Kroeger-Hammer, John Kroeger and Alison (Rick) Ooms; grandchildren, Jennifer and Jacob Kroeger, Hawk and Clay Hammer and Evie and Tori Ooms. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, IL on November 12, 2016 from 3-5 P.M. She will be interred in DeWitt, Iowa on November 13. Nancy and family would very much appreciate any memorial gifts be made to MONARCHWATCH.ORG (at KU) or ELEPHANTS.COM (The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennesse)

Jean Marie Holly, nee Fricka, 76, a lifelong Cicero resident, died October 29, 2016 at Alexian Hospice in Elk Grove Village, IL. The former Jean Marie Fricka was a caring mom to her children, Joyce and Paul, and a devoted wife to her late husband, John. She was recognized for her volunteer services at The Suguin Thrift Shop to support Seguin Intellectually Disabled Citizens Association. More recently, she spent the last eight years “spoiling” her beloved dogs Nellie and Buddy as well as her grandchildren. She is a graduate of Morton High School in Cicero. Jean is survived by her precious “baby” Nellie, a daughter Joyce Murray and son-in-law Tony Murray; three grandchildren, Nicole, Danielle and Caitlin; one sister Joan Bigos and two brothers Donald and Ken Fricka. Visitation Friday November 4, from 4-8 P.M. at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park 7750 W. Cermak Rd., Forest Park. Funeral Services Saturday 3 P.M. at the funeral home. Private interment Bohemian National Cemetery. Info 708-442-8500.